Lower secondary : home to countless opportunities for enrichment and an environment ripe for development . A pit stop on the road to the greater challenges and ambitions that lie ahead , the three years provide the backdrop for a stage laced with vibrant freedom . After ten years of memories , the lower secondary has retained the same liveliness , looking to make the most out of every opportunity .
Fresh out of elementary school , the students of lower secondary are presented with a world of refinement , creative liberty and preparation for greater things . “ Middle school is a stepping stone before these students reach high school ,” revealed technology teacher Mr . Laroche .
Over ten years , students have passed
The best part of GSIS is the community . My favorite memory of the school is the rehearsal for the drama where we played the opposites of our characters . I feel very honored to be here for the Ten Year Anniversary , but it still feels like the first year to me .
Grade 6
Mya Freeman
through the IB MYP program .
“ The required schoolwork is harder and there ’ s a lot more expectations put on us ,” mentioned eighthgrader Peter Lee .
“ There is a sense of purpose in middle school , which is to not only prepare for the DP academically , but also learn more about a wide range of world related topics ,” noted Mr . Laroche .
With the constant progression over the last decade , the lower secondary has grown to provide students with outlets to express themselves . Whether it be the presence of the lower secondary SCA all the way to the myriad options of clubs such as Science club and Outreach club , there has been no shortage of memorable occasions . “ One of the best parts of middle school is all the new activities , clubs and opportunities that we get compared to elementary schools ,” commented eight grader Brendon Hodge . “ There ’ s just a whole lot more freedom .”
Above all , the lower secondary is a setting for students to create timeless and invaluable memories . Unbound by the heavy workload commitments of high school and presented with a new independence , lower secondary has and always will be unique in its own right . “ I love that we have SEW , the retreats and so many opportunities to just be ourselves ,” said Brendon .
Lower Secondary Encouragement and Wisdom
Passing on over ten years of wisdom , Teachers , Alumni , and Upper Secondary students were asked to share some words of encouragement with the lower secondary students .
When I was in high school , my teacher always quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson and it has been my favorite quote ever since : “ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us .” - Mrs . Risa Kim , Visual Art Teacher
I think that our God is bigger than the sky and He still loves us like crazy . I wonder why He bothers , but he does . What a thought . Knowing this , letting it really sink into your heart and mind helps you face your days . You are never alone and He is in control even when it doesn ’ t feel like it . He loves you . - Mrs . Beth Reimer , former Elementary Music Teacher
When you have the Lord in your life , He has promised to always be with you . And He is : down the snow slope , in the middle of the fun with your friends , at the exam table , when you ’ re sleeping soundly , when you are far away from those you know and love and are quite alone . But you never are alone , God id with you , He loves you , wherever you go . - Mrs . Wendy Van Wyk , former Dorm Parent
Don ’ t be stressed out about what ’ s going on in your life . if you stop fretting over the burdens by yourself and decide to hand them over to God , He ’ ll take care of them for you ! - Monica Cho c / o ‘ 14
Enjoy Your Time in Lower Secondary ! - Jessica Oh c / o ‘ 16
Prepare 1,000 won for snacks each day - Stacy Chung c / o ‘ 16
Study hard . It will help prepare you for high school . - Paul Lee c / o ‘ 16
Build up good habits now . Don ’ t Procrastinate and turn in your work on time . - Andrew Keller c / o ‘ 16
Value your time in middle school . It goes by quickly and life changes a lot in high school - Ryan Moon c / o ‘ 16
My favorite part of the school is when I get to work on group projects . I came to this school two years ago , so I did not know that it was the ten year anniversary , but I am glad to be a part of the celebration .
Grade 8
Kevin Youm
When you get to high school , remember to also have fun . Go to events and participate in sports and clubs . - Lena Park c / o ‘ 16
It is okay to be excited and have fun , but it is not okay to fall behind in work as it causes a lot of unnecessary stress . - Robin Cho c / o ‘ 16
Try to prepare for high school by being observant and becoming friends with older students . Talk to them and get advice early . - Jiwon Min c / o ‘ 16
Go to bed early , so you can come to school alert and ready to learn . - Janet Park c / 0 ‘ 16
Participate in school activities . You will make friends , have fun , and gain great leadership and team skills - Samuel Lee c / o ‘ 16
Try to make the best out of everything . It ’ s okay to make mistakes , just learn from them . - Justin Lee c / o ‘ 16
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